Battery cover assembly

ABSTRACT

A vent cap gang includes a plurality of vent caps to be received in respective vent ports formed in a battery cover. Each of the vent caps includes a cylindrical body having first pin located at an axial center thereof and a second pin offset from the axial center. A plurality of elongate members is operably coupled to each of the vent caps by the first and second pins. An actuator is operably coupled to the elongate members and at least one of the vent caps to cause simultaneous rotational movement of the vent caps.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a divisional patent application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/557,743 filed Jul. 25, 2012 which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Appl. Ser. No. 61/513,884 filedAug. 1, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to batteries, and more particularly to a batterycover assembly including a vent cap gang which is easily installed andremoved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many devices use a quarter-turn or bayonet-style attachment inapplications where quick installation and removal are desired. Forexample, lead-acid batteries use this method of attachment for securingthe vent caps within the vent ports. The same attachment method is oftenused in the manufacture of battery watering systems to mount thewatering valves to the vent ports.

A typical prior art battery cover assembly for a battery includes abattery vent cap and a battery cover having a vent port. The vent capand the vent port each include a pair of diametrically opposed bayonettabs. The tabs have substantially similar lead angles. The individualvent cap is manually tightened within the vent port as the vent cap isrotated 90 degrees clockwise (quarter-turn method} by field personnel.This tightening secures the vent cap and provides a seal between aflange of the vent cap and a rim of the vent port. The seal prevents amigration of battery acid out of the battery. The vent cap can be easilyrotated 90° counterclockwise by the user to remove the vent cap from thevent port for routine battery maintenance and inspections. The describedbayonet attachment system has been used for decades and continues to bea common system of attachment for battery vent caps and watering systemson deep-cycle batteries.

Recently, a push-in style of cap has been introduced, particularly forcaps which are part of battery watering systems. The push-in style ofconstruction enables the cap to be pushed into place without substantialrotation. Accordingly, an installation of the cap is relatively easycompared to the prior quarter-turn method of installation. The push-incaps are being used on an assembly line by battery manufacturers andmanufacturers of battery-powered equipment such as golf cartmanufacturers, for example. The caps also enable faster installation ofbattery watering systems. After the caps are pushed into place, the capscan rotate 360 degrees within the vent port, which is helpful inaligning connection ports on the caps with watering system tubing.

The push-in caps are tightly fitted into the vent port to improve a sealtherebetween and prevent the cap from dislodging as the battery coverflexes during use. The tight fit also assists in maintaining anappropriate seal over a wide range of temperatures and vibrationsexperienced by the battery. The push-in caps, however, are not withoutproblems. For example, to remove the push-in caps from the vent portsfor routine battery maintenance, field personnel use screwdrivers orchannel-lock wrenches to pry out or pull out the caps, potentiallydamaging the battery cover and/or the caps. It also can be hazardousbecause it involves the use of a metal tool on the battery cover, whichcan cause dangerous sparks that can trigger explosions. Accordingly, thebenefits provided by the prior art push-in caps are offset by thedifficult, potentially damaging, and hazardous removal of the caps forroutine battery maintenance.

It is an object of the present invention to produce a battery coverassembly including a vent cap gang which is easily installed andremoved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In concordance and agreement with the present invention, a battery coverassembly including a vent cap gang which is easily installed andremoved, has surprisingly been discovered.

In one embodiment, a battery vent cap gang, comprises: a plurality ofvent caps, each of the vent caps including a first pin located at anaxial center thereof and a second pin offset from the axial center; afirst member operably coupled to the first pin of each of the vent caps;a second member operably coupled to the second pin of each of the ventcaps; and an actuator operably coupled to at least one of the firstmember and the second member to cause substantially simultaneousrotational movement of the vent caps.

In another embodiment, a battery vent cap gang, comprises: a pluralityof vent caps operably coupled to at least one member, wherein at leastone of the vent caps is configured to facilitate an installation thereofinto a battery cover without rotational movement thereof and a removalthereof from the battery cover with rotational movement thereof.

In yet another embodiment, a battery vent cap gang, comprises: aplurality of vent caps, each of the vent caps including a first pinlocated at an axial center thereof, a second pin offset from the axialcenter, and a plurality of radially outwardly extending tabs formedthereon wherein at least one of the vent caps is configured tofacilitate an installation thereof into a battery cover withoutrotational movement thereof; a first member operably coupled to thefirst pin of each of the vent caps; a second member operably coupled tothe second pin of each of the vent caps; and an actuator operablycoupled to at least one of the first member and the second member tocause substantially simultaneous rotational movement of the vent caps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and advantages of the invention, as well as others,will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from readingthe following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top perspective view of a battery cover assemblyincluding a removed vent cap gang according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the vent cap gang has three vent caps andeach vent cap includes a pair of diametrically opposed bayonet tabshaving an inclined upper surface and an inclined lower surface;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the vent cap gang illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the vent cap gang illustrated inFIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a vent cap gang, wherein each ventcap of the vent cap gang includes a pair of diametrically opposedbayonet tabs having a substantially planar upper surface and an inclinedlower surface;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top perspective view of a battery cover assemblyincluding a removed vent cap gang, wherein the vent cap gang has fourvent caps and each vent cap includes a pair of diametrically opposedbayonet tabs having an inclined upper surface and an inclined lowersurface;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the vent cap gang illustrated inFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a vent cap gang, wherein each ventcap of the vent cap gang includes a pair of diametrically opposedbayonet tabs having a substantially planar upper surface and an inclinedlower surface;

FIG. 8 a fragmentary top perspective view of a battery cover assemblyincluding a removed vent cap gang according to another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the vent cap gang has three vent caps andeach vent cap includes a pair of diametrically opposed ramp portions,each of which terminates in a stop;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the vent cap gang illustrated inFIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a battery cover assemblyincluding a vent cap gang, wherein the vent cap gang has four vent caps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe andillustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. Thedescription and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to makeand use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention in any manner.

FIGS. 1 and 5 show a battery cover assembly 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention. The battery cover assembly 100includes a battery cover 102 and a vent cap gang 103. It is understoodthat the battery cover 102 can be any suitable battery cover 102 asdesired to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a battery (notshown). The battery cover 102 includes a plurality of spaced apart ventports 104 formed therein. The vent ports 104 can be formed in thebattery cover 102 in any pattern or configuration as desired such as ina diagonal configuration or a linear configuration, for example. Thevent ports 104 include a rim 106 and a pair of diametrically opposed,radially inwardly extending bayonet tabs 108. In a non-limiting example,each of the bayonet tabs 108 includes a substantially planer uppersurface 110 and a substantially planar lower surface (not shown). Thebattery cover 102 may also include other features and componentsnecessary for operation of the battery such as a pair of terminals (notshown) and a pair of mounting structures (not shown), for example.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the vent cap gang 103 includes a pluralityof vent caps 117. It is understood that the vent cap gang 103 caninclude any number of vent caps 117 as desired such as three vent caps117, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, or four vent caps 117, as shown in FIGS.5-7, for example. Each of the vent caps 117 cooperates with therespective vent ports 104 formed in the battery cover 102. Each of thevent caps 117 includes a cylindrical body 118 and a sealing member 119.It is understood that the body 118 can be formed from any suitablematerial as desired such as a plastic material, for example.

The body 118 includes an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 121. In anon-limiting example, the lower portion 121 of the vent cap 117 has adiameter slightly less than a diameter between bayonet tabs 108 of thevent ports 104. Each lower portion 121 has a pair of diametricallyopposed, radially outwardly extending bayonet tabs 122. As shown inFIGS. 1, 3, and 5-6, the bayonet tabs 122 may be formed with an inclinedlower surface 123 and an inclined upper surface 124 to facilitatemovement of the bayonet tabs 122 past the bayonet tabs of the vent ports104 during an installation and removal of the vent caps 117 therefrom.Alternatively, the bayonet tabs 122 may be formed with a substantiallyplanar upper surface 124, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, to increase surfacecontact between the bayonet tabs 122 and the bayonet tabs 108 of thevent ports 104, and thereby improve retention of the vent caps 117 inthe vent ports 104. Intermediate the upper portion 120 and the lowerportion 121 of each body 118 is a radially outwardly extending flange125. A lower surface of the flange 125 is in abutting contact with thesealing member 119 which encircles the lower portion 121.

Each upper portion 120 has a first pin 126 extending laterally outwardlyfrom a center thereof. The first pins 126 operably couple the vent caps117 to an elongate first member 132. Each of the first pins 126 includesa cylindrical section having an enlarged end 128. A slot 130, shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, is formed in each of the first pins 126 to form a firstsegment and a second segment. The slot 130 permits the segments to flexinwardly towards one another, thereby allowing the enlarged end 128 ofthe first pins 126 to be inserted into a respective aperture (not shown)formed in the first member 132. A diameter of each of the apertures ofthe first member 132 is slightly smaller than a diameter of each of theenlarged ends 128 of the first pins 126.

Each upper portion 120 also includes a radially outwardly extending arm134 having a second pin 136 extending laterally outwardly from a distalend thereof. As shown, the second pin 136 is offset in respect of acenter of the body 118 of the vent cap 117. The second pins 136 operablycouple the vent caps 117 to an elongate second member 138. The secondmember 138 is substantially parallel to and laterally offset from thefirst member 132 prior to and after an installation of the vent cap gang103 into the battery cover 102. Each of the second pins 136 includes acylindrical section having an enlarged end 140. A slot 142, shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, is formed in each of the second pins 136 to form a firstsegment and a second segment. The slot 142 permits the segments to flexinwardly towards one another, thereby allowing the enlarged end 140 ofthe second pins 136 to be inserted into a respective aperture (notshown) formed in the second member 138. A diameter of each of theapertures of the second member 138 is slightly smaller than a diameterof each of the enlarged ends 140 of the second pins 136.

As illustrated, at least one of the vent caps 117 is also operablycoupled to at least one actuator 160 by the pins 126, 136. The actuator160 shown includes axially opposed grips 162. In a non-limiting example,the actuator 160 is received in an indentation 163 formed in each of themembers 132, 138. Shoulder portions 164 of the members 132, 138 definingthe indentations 163 perform as end stops during a pivoting of theactuator 160. It is understood that the vent cap gang 103 may furtherinclude at least one locking feature 166 such as a protuberance, adetent, or the like, for example, which maintains a position of the ventcap gang 103 prior to the installation thereof into the battery cover102.

When installation of the vent cap gang 103 within the battery cover 102is desired, the vent caps 117 of the vent cap gang 103 are aligned withthe vent ports 104 of the battery cover 102. More particularly, thebayonet tabs 122 of each of the vent caps 117 are aligned with therespective bayonet tabs 108 of each of the vent ports 104. In certainembodiments, the locking feature 166 militates against an undesiredmovement of the actuator 160, the members 132, 138, and hence, the ventcaps 117 after an assembly of the vent cap gang 103. Accordingly, thebayonet tabs 122 of each of the vent caps 117 are aligned with therespective bayonet tabs 108 of each of the vent ports 104 withoutrequiring additional adjustment by field personnel.

The lower portion 121 of each body 118 of the vent caps 117 issubstantially simultaneously urged downward into the vent ports 104 bythe members 132, 138 without rotational movement thereof. As the body118 of each of the vent caps 117 is inserted into the vent ports 104,the bayonet tabs 122 of the vent caps 117 slidingly contact the bayonettabs 108 of the vent ports 104. In a non-limiting example, the inclinedlower surface 123 of the bayonet tabs 122 enables the bayonet tabs 122to pass beyond the bayonet tabs 108 of the vent ports 104. The vent capgang 103 is urged downward until the upper surface 124 of the bayonettabs 122 is located under the lower surface of the bayonet tabs 108 tosecure the vent cap gang 103 in the battery cover 102 without rotationalmovement thereof. When the vent cap gang 103 is secured and in anengaged position, each sealing member 119 is compressed between theflange 125 of the vent cap 117 and the rim 106 of the vent port 104 toform a substantially fluid-tight seal.

When removal of the vent cap gang 103 from the vent ports 104 is desiredsuch as for battery maintenance or service, for example, the vent capgang 103 is disengaged from the vent ports 104. More particularly, aforce is applied to the grips 162 of the actuator 160, causing a pivotalmovement thereof. In certain embodiments, the force applied to the grips162 of the actuator 160 is such that as to overcome a resistance forceof the locking feature 166. The pivotal movement of the actuator 160causes a lateral movement of the member 138, which in turn causessubstantially simultaneous rotational movement of the vent caps 117. Asa non-limiting example, the vent caps 117 are rotated up to about 90degrees in a clockwise direction. It is understood, however, that thevent cap gang 103 can be configured such that the pivotal movement ofthe actuator 160 causes the vent caps 117 to rotate in acounter-clockwise direction. As the vent caps 117 rotate, the bayonettabs 122 of the vent caps 117 slidingly contact, and ultimatelydisengage, the bayonet tabs 108 of the vent ports 104. In a non-limitingexample, the inclined upper surface 124 of the bayonet tabs 122 enablesthe bayonet tabs 122 to pass beyond the bayonet tabs 108 of the ventports 104 and release. Once the bayonet tabs 122 are released, the ventcap gang 103 is removed from the vent ports 104 by an axial movementthereof.

FIG. 8 shows a battery cover assembly 200 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. The battery cover assembly 200 includes a batterycover 202 and a vent cap gang 203. It is understood that the batterycover 202 can be any suitable battery cover 202 as desired to form asubstantially fluid-tight seal with a battery (not shown). The batterycover 202 includes a plurality of spaced apart vent ports 204 formedtherein. The vent ports 204 can be formed in the battery cover 202 inany pattern or configuration as desired such as in a diagonalconfiguration or a linear configuration, for example. The vent ports 204include a rim 206 and a pair of diametrically opposed, radially inwardlyextending bayonet tabs 208. In a non-limiting example, each of thebayonet tabs 208 includes a substantially planer upper surface 210 and asubstantially planar lower surface (not shown). The battery cover 202may also include other features and components necessary for operationof the battery such as a pair of terminals (not shown) and a pair ofmounting structures (not shown), for example.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the vent cap gang 203 includes a pluralityof vent caps 217. It is understood that the vent cap gang 203 caninclude any number of vent caps 217 as desired such as three vent caps217, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, or four vent caps 217, as shown in FIG. 10,for example. Each of the vent caps 217 cooperates with the respectivevent ports 204 formed in the battery cover 202. Each of the vent caps217 includes a cylindrical body 218 and a sealing member 219. It isunderstood that the body 218 can be formed from any suitable material asdesired such as a plastic material, for example.

The body 218 includes an upper portion 220 and a lower portion 222. In anon-limiting example, the lower portion 222 of the vent cap 217 has adiameter slightly less than a diameter between the tabs 208 of the ventports 204. Each lower portion 222 has a pair of diametrically opposed,radially outwardly extending tabs 224. It is understood that the tabs224 of the vent caps 217 could be formed on the vent port 204 and thetabs 208 of the vent ports 204 could be formed on the body 218 of thevent caps 217 if desired. The tabs 224 increase in axial thickness froma bottom end 226, shown in FIGS. 8-10, toward a top end 228, shown inFIGS. 9-10, in a counter-clockwise direction, forming a ramp portionwhich terminates in a stop. Each tab 224 extends about the body 218approximately 90 degrees. It is understood that the tabs 224 can extendabout the body 218 as desired. Intermediate the upper portion 220 andthe lower portion 222 of each body 218 is a radially outwardly extendingflange 232. A lower surface of the flange 232 is in abutting contactwith the sealing member 219 which encircles the lower portion 222.

Each upper portion 220 has a first pin 236 extending laterally outwardlyfrom a center thereof. The first pins 236 operably couple the vent caps217 to an elongate first member 238. Each of the first pins 236 includesa cylindrical section having an enlarged end 242. A slot 244, shown inFIG. 8, is formed in each of the first pins 236 to form a first segmentand a second segment. The slot 244 permits the segments to flex inwardlytowards one another, thereby allowing the enlarged end 242 of the firstpins 236 to be inserted into a respective aperture (not shown) formed inthe first member 238. A diameter of each of the apertures of the firstmember 238 is slightly smaller than a diameter of each of the enlargedends 242 of the first pins 236.

Each upper portion 220 also includes a radially outwardly extending arm246 having a second pin 248 extending laterally outwardly from a distalend thereof. As shown, the second pin 248 is offset in respect of acenter of the body 218 of the vent cap 217. The second pins 248 operablycouple the vent caps 217 to an elongate second member 250. The secondmember 250 is substantially parallel to and laterally offset from thefirst member 238 prior to an installation of the vent cap gang 203 intothe battery cover. Each of the second pins 248 includes a cylindricalsection having an enlarged end 251. A slot 252, shown in FIG. 8, isformed in each of the second pins 248 to form a first segment and asecond segment. The slot 252 permits the segments to flex inwardlytowards one another, thereby allowing the enlarged end 251 of the secondpins 248 to be inserted into a respective aperture (not shown) formed inthe second member 250. A diameter of each of the apertures of the secondmember 250 is slightly smaller than a diameter of each of the enlargedends 251 of the second pins 248.

As illustrated, at least one of the vent caps 217 is also operablycoupled to at least one actuator 260 by the pins 236, 248. The actuator260 shown includes axially opposed grips 262. In a non-limiting example,the actuator 260 is received in an indentation 263 formed in each of themembers 238, 250. Shoulder portions 264 of the members 238, 250 definingthe indentations 263 perform as end stops during a pivoting of theactuator 260. It is understood that the vent cap gang 203 may furtherinclude at least one locking feature 266 such as a protuberance, adetent, or the like, for example, which maintains a position of the ventcap gang 203 prior to the installation thereof into the battery cover.

When installation of the vent cap gang 203 within the battery cover isdesired, the vent caps 217 of the vent cap gang 203 are aligned with thevent ports 204 of the battery cover 202. More particularly, the tabs 224of each of the vent caps 217 are offset from the bayonet tabs 208 ofeach of the vent ports 204. In certain embodiments, the locking feature266 militates against an undesired movement of the actuator 260, themembers 238, 250, and hence, the vent caps 217 after an assembly of thevent cap gang 203. Accordingly, the tabs 224 of each of the vent caps217 are offset from the bayonet tabs 208 of each of the vent ports 204without requiring additional adjustment by field personnel.

The lower portion 222 of each body 218 of the vent caps 117 issubstantially simultaneously urged downward into the vent ports 204having the tabs 224 thereof disposed between the bayonet tabs 208 of thevent ports 204. Once the body 218 of each of the vent caps 217 isinserted into the vent ports 204, the bottom end 226 of the tabs 224 islocated below the tabs of the vent ports 204. A force is then appliedagainst the grips 262 of the actuator 260 to cause a pivotal movementthereof. In certain embodiments, the force applied to the grips 262 ofthe actuator 260 is such that as to overcome a resistance force of thelocking feature 266. The pivotal movement of the actuator 260 causes alateral movement of the member 250, which in turn causes substantiallysimultaneous rotational movement of the vent caps 217. As a non-limitingexample, the vent caps 217 are rotated up to about 90 degrees in aclockwise direction. It is understood, however, that the vent cap gang203 can be configured such that the pivotal movement of the actuator 260causes the vent caps 217 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. Therotational movement of the vent caps 217 causes a substantiallysimultaneous rotational movement of the tabs 224 of the vent caps 217and an engagement of the tabs 224 with the bayonet tabs 208 of the ventports 204. As the tabs 224 of the vent caps 217 and the tabs 208 of thevent ports 204 are engaged, the vent cap gang 203 is secured in thebattery cover 202. When the vent cap gang 203 is secured and in theengaged position, each sealing member 219 is compressed between theflange 232 of the vent cap 217 and the rim 206 of the vent ports 204 toform a substantially fluid-tight seal.

When removal of the vent cap gang 203 from the vent ports 204 is desiredsuch as for battery maintenance or service, for example, the vent capgang 203 is disengaged from the vent ports 204. More particularly, aforce is applied against the grips 262 of the actuator 260 in acounter-clockwise or second direction, causing a pivotal movement of theactuator 260 and a substantially simultaneous rotational movement of thevent caps 217. As a non-limiting example, the vent caps 217 are rotatedup to about 90 degrees in the counter-clockwise direction. It isunderstood, however, that the vent cap gang 203 can be configured suchthat the pivotal movement of the actuator 260 causes the vent caps 217to rotate in the clockwise direction. The rotational movement of thevent caps 217 causes a substantially simultaneous rotational movement ofthe tabs 224 of the vent caps 217 and a disengagement of the tabs 224with the bayonet tabs 208 of the vent ports 204. As the tabs 224 of thevent caps 217 and the tabs of the vent ports 204 are disengaged, thevent cap gang 203 is released from the battery cover 202. Once released,the vent cap gang 203 can be removed from the battery cover 202 by anaxial movement thereof.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art caneasily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and,without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make variouschanges and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usagesand conditions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery vent cap gang, comprising: a pluralityof vent caps, each of the vent caps including a first pin located at anaxial center thereof and a second pin offset from the axial center; afirst member operably coupled to the first pin of each of the vent caps;a second member operably coupled to the second pin of each of the ventcaps; and an actuator operably coupled to and extending between thefirst member and the second member to cause substantially simultaneousrotational movement of the vent caps, wherein the actuator pivotallyrotates about the axial center of one of the vent caps to cause alateral movement of the second member.
 2. The battery vent cap gang ofclaim 1, wherein the vent caps are configured to facilitate aninstallation of the vent caps into a battery cover with up to about 90degrees of rotational movement.
 3. The battery vent cap gang of claim 1,wherein the vent caps are configured to facilitate an installation ofthe vent caps into a battery cover without rotational movement of thevent caps.
 4. The battery vent cap gang of claim 1, wherein the ventcaps are configured to facilitate a removal of the vent caps from abattery cover with up to about 90 degrees of rotational movement of thevent caps.
 5. The battery vent cap gang of claim 1, wherein at least oneof the vent caps includes at least one radially outwardly extending tabformed thereon.
 6. The battery vent cap gang of claim 5, wherein the atleast one tab increases in axial thickness from a first end toward asecond end to form a ramp portion.
 7. The battery vent cap gang of claim5, wherein the at least one tab has a first surface formed at an inclinewith respect to the axial center of the at least one vent cap and asecond surface formed at an incline with respect to the axial center ofthe at least one vent cap.
 8. The battery vent cap gang of claim 5,wherein the at least one tab has a first surface formed at an inclinewith respect to the axial center of the at least one vent cap and asecond surface formed substantially perpendicular to the axial center ofthe at least one vent cap.
 9. The battery vent cap gang of claim 1,further comprising a locking feature to militate against a movement ofthe actuator.
 10. A battery vent cap gang, comprising: a plurality ofvent caps operably coupled to at least one member, each of the vent capsincluding a pin located at an axial center of each of the vent caps,wherein the vent caps are configured to facilitate an installation ofthe vent caps into a battery cover without rotational movement of thevent caps and a removal of the vent caps from the battery cover withrotational movement of the vent caps about the axial center of the ventcaps.
 11. The battery vent cap gang of claim 10, wherein the vent capsare configured to facilitate the removal of the vent caps from thebattery cover with up to about 90 degrees of rotational movement of thevent caps.
 12. The battery vent cap gang of claim 10, further comprisingat least one actuator operably coupled the at least one member and atleast one of the vent caps to cause substantially simultaneousrotational movement of the vent caps.
 13. The battery vent cap gang ofclaim 12, further comprising a locking feature to militate against amovement of the actuator.
 14. The battery vent cap gang of claim 10,wherein at least one of the vent caps includes at least one radiallyoutwardly extending tab formed thereon.
 15. The battery vent cap gang ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one tab has a first surface formed at anincline with respect to the axial center of the at least one vent capand a second surface formed at an incline with respect to the axialcenter of the at least one vent cap.
 16. The battery vent cap gang ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one tab has a first surface formed at anincline with respect to the axial center of the at least one vent capand a second surface formed substantially perpendicular to the axialcenter of the at least one vent cap.
 17. A battery vent cap gang,comprising: a plurality of vent caps operably coupled to at least onemember, each of the vent caps including a pin located at an axial centerthereof, wherein the vent caps are configured to facilitate aninstallation of the vent caps into a battery cover without rotationalmovement of the vent caps and a removal of the vent caps from thebattery cover with rotational movement of the vent caps about the axialcenter of the vent caps; an actuator operably coupled to the at leastone member by the first pin to cause substantially simultaneousrotational movement of the vent caps, wherein the actuator pivotallyrotates about the pin; and at least one radially outwardly extending tabformed on at least one of the vent caps.
 18. The battery vent cap gangof claim 17, wherein the at least one tab has a first surface formed atan incline with respect to the axial center of the at least one of thevent caps and a substantially inclined second surface formed at anincline with respect to the axial center of the at least one of the ventcaps.
 19. The battery vent cap gang of claim 17, wherein the at leastone tab has a first surface formed at an incline with respect to theaxial center of the at least one of the vent caps and a second surfaceformed substantially perpendicular to the axial center of the at leastone of the vent caps.
 20. The battery vent cap gang of claim 17, whereinthe vent caps are configured to facilitate a removal of the vent capsfrom the battery cover with up to about 90 degrees of rotationalmovement of the vent caps.